Travel
Trinidad and Tobago declares state of emergency: This is what you have to do if you are traveling there
A spike in deadly gang violence has rocked the Caribbean nation. Here are recommendations for travelers to Trinidad and Tobago.
Trinidad and Tobago declared a state of emergency on Monday after a spike in deadly gang violence across the dual-island Caribbean nation.
Since Friday night, five men were shot in an estate near Port of Spain, the country’s capital, a woman was killed as she picked up her teenage son from a hospital in San Fernando, the second most populous city, and a man was murdered outside a police station.
The recent spate of killings has taken the number of murders in 2024 to 623, an unprecedented tally in a nation of approximately 1.5 million inhabitants. The majority are thought to be related to organised crime and the international drug trade.
“There is no doubt in my mind that we are dealing with an epidemic,” National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds told the media.
What does the state of emergency mean?
Some elements of normality will continue, with attorney general Stuart Young stating no public curfew would be imposed, while New Year celebrations are expected to go ahead as scheduled.
However, there will be increased police and military presence on the streets, while law enforcement will be able to conduct searches, detain suspects and make arrests without a warrant.
Advice for travelers to Trinidad and Tobago
U.S. citizens can still travel to Trinidad and Tobago, although the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Trinidad and Tobago, which urges people to reconsider.
If individuals do decide to make the trip, the following recommends are in place:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram.
- Review the Country Security Report for Trinidad and Tobago.
- Use caution when walking or driving at night.
- Be wary of meeting individuals met through social media or dating apps.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Do not display overt signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
- Be extra vigilant when visiting ATMs.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Flights from U.S. airports to Trinidad and Tobago continue to operate as scheduled.
Miami International Airport operates 50 flights per week to Piarco International Airport, which serves Port of Spain, with a further 35 direct flights per week out of John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
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